Back in business

Hayden  After a seven-month hiatus, a Hayden business has reopened its doors, and the owner says she has some fresh ideas.

Affordable Furnishing and Collectibles owner Vicki Morgan said it was difficult to attract customers to the Walnut Street store so she decided to close in January.

"It was really difficult to stay here because there isn't a lot of traffic," Morgan said Tuesday.

Aside from U.S. Highway 40, Walnut Street is the main location of Hayden businesses and home to some of the town's historic buildings.

Morgan considered relocating her second-hand furniture and collectibles store to a different town and she spent some time rethinking the shop. She moved all her inventory into storage.

Full Belly Deli owner Robyn Boeckmann approached her about partnering up and reopening as a general store that would sell locally-made goods, Morgan said.

"It's great working with a partner because otherwise you feel like you are out there all by yourself. This whole concept just feels right."

They also are considering opening a cafe, and the thought of Hayden rapidly growing in the future was encouraging, Morgan said.

"We think it's going to happen, and that's why I'm back," Morgan said. "I think it will be good for Hayden. I hope it will get business going on Walnut Street."

The store currently is selling vintage and antique furniture and home decorations. Morgan said they plan on selling jewelry, soap and crafts that are made by Hayden locals.

"I've got several people interested in bringing in their collectibles and vintage things," Morgan said. "With a variety, it will give people more of an incentive to come."

Surrounding business owners were happy to see Morgan reopen the store.

Dave Hanley owns 3-WIRE Acoustic Music next door to Morgan and said he is glad to see the store open again. It is hard to keep a business open in Hayden he said - he pays himself a monthly salary of $100 - and he has been nervous about whether some of the downtown Hayden businesses would last.

"At one point I thought it was just going to be me open along here, so I'm excited," Hanley said. "I'm excited that we will have some open (business) doors and hopefully there will be some more activity around here."

Currently Affordable Furnishing and Collectibles is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It is located at 144 S. Walnut Street.